We’ve documented the oil change frequency on our Ultimate E46 M3 Maintenance Guide and now we’re going to tell you how to change the oil yourself. It’s especially important to change your oil based on the Inspection I or Inspection II schedule because the viscosity of the oil protects your S54 rod bearings, which already is a sensitive wear and tear item. This article will go through the entire oil change process including step-by-step directions and high quality photos to explain the DIY as easy as possible.

1. Run the engine for 3-5 minutes (if on a cold start) to get oil temperature up. This will help the oil flow out better when you extract it.

2. Jack up the car’s front end to access the drain plug. Access the engine bay.

3. Locate the drain plug underneath the car and loosen the 6mm hex bolt.

3.1 Unscrew the last few turns by hand and let the engine oil drain into a drain pan. Discard the old crush washer.

4. Locate the oil filter housing (OFH) and throttle position sensor (TPS) which is right above the OFH. Perform this while the oil continues to drain.

4.1 Unplug the TPS sensor by pushing down on the metal tab.

5. Remove the OFH cap using a 13mm socket.

5.1 Remove and discard the old oil filter.

6. By now the engine oil should be drained. If the oil is extracting in a constant stream give it a few minutes until you see it drip.

6.1 Install the drain plug along with a new crush washer. Torque to 18 ft-lbs.

7. Clean out the OFH.

8. Open the contents of your oil change kit. You should have: (2) o-rings and (2) washers including the one you already used (copper) for your oil drain plug.

9. Remove the old o-ring on the OFH with a pick and replace with new o-ring.

10. Replace the crush washer on the OFH bolt.

10.1 Replace the smaller o-ring on the bottom of the OFH bolt by using a small pick.

11. Install new oil filter.

11.1 Pour 0.75 liters of engine oil in the OFH while saturating the new oil filter. This prevents having a dry start-up after the oil change.

12. Install the OFH cap and install the 13mm bolt. Torque to 24 ft-lbs.

12.1 Plug the TPS back in.

13. Locate the oil cap and pour remaining engine oil into the engine.

13.1 The S54 calls for 5.5 liters (5.8 quarts) of engine oil.

13.2 Tighten oil cap after filling with oil.

14. After the oil change, run your car and get the oil to operating temperature.

14.1 Let the car idle for 3-5 minutes.

14.2 Check the oil level on the dip stick. The BMW recommended oil level (5.5 L) is right in the middle of the two marks. For reference, the bottom mark is 5 L and the top is 6 L.

14.3 Fill or extract if necessary.